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      Mental Floss

      ESSENTIAL SCIENCE

      Rawpixel/iStock via Getty Images

      It's Black Birders Week—Here's Why Celebrating Black Scientists and Naturalists Matters

      From May 31 to June 5, follow along as Black Birders Week highlights the experiences and expertise of Black scientists and naturalists.

      Kerry Wolfe

      Earth as captured from near the lunar horizon by the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2015.

      The Science Behind Why the Earth Isn't Flat

      Let's review why and how we've known for at least 2300 years that the Earth is round.

      Dan Falk

      iStock

      How Long to Steep Your Tea, According to Science

      You're a quick chemistry lesson away from a better brew.

      Michele Debczak



      iStock

      What Is Death?

      Defining it is more complicated than you think.

      Sandrine Ceurstemont


      iStock

      What Is a Calorie?

      Let's break it down.

      Jenny Splitter


      Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

      What Is a Scientific Theory?

      A theory in science is very different from a theory in everyday conversation.

      Dan Falk


      Eugeneonline/iStock via Getty Images

      How Are Vaccines Made?

      As researchers work quickly to develop a vaccine for the new coronavirus, let's take a look at the different processes for creating life-saving vaccines for multiple diseases.

      Tara Smith
      iStock

      What Is Infinity?

      Let's try to wrap our heads around it.

      Sandrine Ceurstemont

      iStock

      What Is a GMO?

      You hear the term tossed about, but what does it really mean?

      Jenny Splitter

      iStock

      What Is Gluten?

      In 2014, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel summed up L.A.'s consensus on the subject: "It's comparable to Satanism." But what is it?

      Teresa L. Johnson

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